This Month: Proud Fathers

After two very tough subjects that debuted at WGRamirez.com, I felt it was time to lighten the mood.

The holidays are upon us, and Moms will be wrapping presents and baking treats with the little ones while watching the classic movies we only get in December.

But there are plenty of Dads out there who either turn to mush when they see their little ones, or simply bursting with pride.

This month the theme is Proud Fathers.

As I will every month, I have three stories for you - one personal, one feature and something pro-related now that Las Vegas has become a bona fide professional sports town.

I've known Al La Rocque for close to 30 years now, as we became friends when he was coaching at Durango High School. Many a time I spent in the Blazer Dome, with my son Jordin in tow, and with basketball games being played year-round. At least it seemed. His daughters Ally and Lindy were always around, helping out or taking in games. There were times the girls would watch Jordin in the auxiliary gym, while I was covering a game. Now, Lindy is the head coach of the UNLV Lady Rebels, and Al and I reflected on what it's meant for him to see her return home.

I'll never forget the first time Ryan Reaves was in the Vegas Golden Knights locker room, after being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins. After he did the media scrum with everyone, we chopped it up briefly, and I told him when I showed a picture of him to Jordin, a personal trainer and bodybuilder, he said, "Ohhh, I want to train with mother fucker." I showed Ryan a picture of Jordin, to which he replied, "Oh wow, he's a big boy." Small connection there, for Ryan and I. Now a father of two little ones, Ryan opened the door to a world he's usually protective over, his personal life. He shared with me the joy he's had in being a family man.

Finally, the joy I've had in watching my son grow into a businessman reached a pinnacle last month, when he finalized a deal to open his own gym. There's much more to the story, as it was part of a five-year plan he executed on his own. It's not something you see everyday, but it's certainly something I'm proud of every time I awaken.

Enjoy this month's edition, and have a Blessed day and holiday season.

Willie G.